Robots to Raranga for Artists

Monday was
robotics and Tuesday was weaving for national and
international artists at the SCANZ 2013: 3rd nature
residency at the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki
in Nga Motu New Plymouth.

“This event is all about
combining art, technology, science and indigenous
understanding” said main event organiser Ian Clothier.
“Taranaki is a perfect place to bring these together. We
have high levels of expertise culturally, creatively and
with technology.”

Andrew Hornblow of Opunake led the
robotics workshop while Jo Tito and Mako Jones conducted the
raranga (weaving) session, which involved gathering harakeke
(flax) and making a small woven piece. Andrew Hornblow’s
session proved so popular that interested artists have had
to schedule an hour each at a return visit on Friday. An
important part of the weaving session was to hear about
Māori understandings of harakeke.

The event is
co-organised with Te Matahiapo Indigenous Research Centre
who provide services in regard to cultural and indigenous
knowledge. The event commenced with two days of visits to
Parihaka and concludes with a symposium which is held at
Owae marae on the first day.

On Wednesday local artist
Fiona Clark visited with Margaret Smith, as representatives
of The Friends of the Waitara River organisation. Local
scientist and community group organiser Elise Smith, Mike
Ure, and Anne Scott visited the group on Thursday, to talk
about various activities including their penguin project
which records information about the little Blue Penguin on
the shores of New Plymouth.

Smith and Scott will also
present at the symposium that occurs on the final weekend of
the artist residency. Speakers from around the world and New
Zealand will discuss working together to resolve
environmental issues.

Registrations are now open for the
symposium (for further information go to www.intercreate.org).

Project
partners include Creative New Zealand, Western Institute of
Technology at Taranaki, Te Matahiapo, Govett-Brewster Art
Gallery and Puke Ariki.

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